Review: The Girl with the Emerald Flag by Kathleen McGurl

I'm delighted to share my review of The Girl with the Emerald Flag by Kathleen McGurl with you today. It's a fascinating theme, and I'm so glad I read this novel.

It's currently on blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources, so make sure to check out all the other, equally fascinating, posts on this tour.

The Girl with the Emerald Flag

Kathleen McGurl

I've always been interested in Irish history, but my knowledge of 20th century history is scant. Even in fictional format, this novel has changed that.

It is a dual-timeline story with the focus on two women. Nicky (in 1998) and Gráinne (in 1916), her great-grandmother. 

Nicky is a spoilt brat who dreams of being a rebel – in her mind, it means rebelling against anything her mother says. Though she happily lets her parents pay for everything she wants... A sofa rebel. She also finds her childhood sweetheart, Conor, too boring, so in a fit of ’rebellion’, she dumps him. Soon after she hooks up with rebel Seb. But her time with him makes her begin to question her ways.

And then there's Supergran – Gráinne. When Nicky has to write an essay about rebellion, her mother suggests she speak to Gráinne about her time during the 1916 rising, and the role women played. Reluctantly, Nicky agrees that it's a good topic and visits her great-grandmother, whose 100th birthday celebration she couldn't be bothered to attend earlier.

In Dublin in 1916, Gráinne feels strongly about a free Ireland, and she joins the Cumann mBan women's society that works towards that goal. When she meets famous Countess Markiewicz, she is offered a chance at playing a bigger role – but with it comes a risk to her life, and those of her friends and loved ones. 

The Girl with the Emerald Flag is a poignant story, one about growing up and realising the important things in life. Is personal freedom more important than working towards the greater good?

I really didn't like Nicky – and I suppose we're not meant to. She is spoilt rotten, allowed to be nasty and ignore important family events because she can't be bothered. Her journey is one of self-discovery, but also of self-awareness, and it is well done. Though I must admit that I thought her change of heart seemed a bit too sudden, too easy, and she didn't (in my mind) deserve to be let off the hook so easily by her indulging family.

Gráinne, on the other hand, is a wonderful character, and for me, the focus on her lifts this novel up quite a notch. She is caring and daring, brave, yet scared. And she sees things she never expected to. Her empathy towards her friends, and even those in charge of the Rising, shines through all the time. I really felt for her as events unfolded in a way none of them had imagined. I would easily read a whole series of novels about her!

The Girl with the Emerald Flag is a gentle tale, but with a strong sense of realism. Events aren't glossed over, but we see them through the eyes of the protagonists. 

A highly recommended read that makes you think!

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Blurb:

The Girl with the Emerald Flag

A country rebelling
It’s 1916 and, as war rages in Europe, Gráinne leaves her job in a department store to join Countess Markiewicz’s revolutionary efforts. It is a decision which will change her life forever. A rebellion is brewing, and as Dublin’s streets become a battleground, Gráinne soon discovers the personal cost of fighting for what you believe in…

A forgotten sacrifice
Decades on, student Nicky is recovering from a break-up when a research project leads her to her great-grandmother’s experiences in revolutionary Ireland. When Nicky finds a long-forgotten handkerchief amongst her great-grandmother’s things, it leads to the revelation of a heartbreaking story of tragedy and courage, and those who sacrificed everything for their country.

Inspired by a heartbreaking true story, this emotional historical novel will sweep you away to the Emerald Isle. Perfect for fans of Jean Grainger, Sandy Taylor and Fiona Valpy.

Buy Links:

UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Girl-Emerald-Flag-absolutely-historical-ebook/dp/B0BGQV8VH7

US: https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Emerald-Flag-absolutely-historical-ebook/dp/B0BGQV8VH7

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About the Author:

Kathleen McGurl

Kathleen McGurl lives near the coast in Christchurch, England. She writes dual timeline novels in which a historical mystery is uncovered and resolved in the present day. 

She is married to an Irishman and has two adult sons. She enjoys travelling, especially in her motorhome around Europe and has of course visited Ireland many times.

Connect with Kathleen: 

https://kathleenmcgurl.com/

https://www.facebook.com/KathleenMcGurl

https://twitter.com/KathMcGurl